Electoral Behaviour of Voters in Nungba Assembly Constituency: A Socio-Political Analysis

Abstract

The paper analyses the voting behaviour of the people of Nungba Assembly Constituency, Manipur, on a socio-political basis from the findings of an empirical survey supported by the electoral records from 1972 to 2022. Voter turnout is high (often above 75%), but the political landscape in Nungba is complex. Important factors are ethnicity, credibility of leadership, the continuing underdevelopment and the role of national and regional parties.

Research shows that the expectation of transparent and accountable leadership and equitable development are recurring aspirations of the voters, often subverted by deep-seated practices of clannism, vote buying, and manipulation of democratic processes by state and non-state actors alike. The survey responses show an increasing distrust in political promises and a belief that government schemes seldom reach the most marginalised communities. The recent voting trends are consistent with the broader national trends, showing a clear departure from Congress's dominance and a move towards the BJP.

It also reviews the impact of legal and institutional reforms on electoral integrity and highlights the progress achieved and the challenges to overcome, such as the lack of transparency in campaign financing and the criminalisation of politics. The analysis is based on the contemporary literature and stresses the urgency of systemic reforms, civic education, and the empowerment of the marginalised groups in order to narrow the gap between the aspirations of the voters and the political realities. Overall, the findings suggest that while Nungba voters are highly engaged, genuine democratic progress will depend on sustained institutional reform and the emergence of ethical and community-oriented leaders.